After eight long, difficult weeks of fighting, you've finally done it. You've put an end to Neo Metal Sonic's dreams of conquest and with it, you've saved not only this world, but all worlds. Perhaps not everything is wrapped up as neatly as some of you would like, but you've done what you set out to do, and now you can breathe a sigh of relief.
In the hours that follow the immediate aftermath of Neo Metal Sonic's defeat, Tails sets about figuring out how to control the Egg Fleet and recall them to where Neo Metal Sonic had them stationed. Sonic heads out into the city - and then even further beyond - to ensure that the people are starting to regain their senses without anyone to suppress their free will anymore. Knuckles escorts you back to the base, then takes a ring to hop into the Void to let Shadow and Infinite know what's going on.
As for you all? You aren't expected to do any work, because you've done so much today. Take a load off and take the time to rest - you deserve it.
For those of you who can't wait to get home, you're welcome to grab a ring from one of your colorful friends and head straight back, but for those of you willing to take the night off and regroup in the morning, you'll find that said colorful friends have put together a party for you - or, well, they tried their best. The decorations are store-bought (or not) and simple, Sonic seems to have thought confetti is the best way to throw a party and there is so much of it getting showered on all of you the moment you walk into the room, and someone obtained a sheet cake that did not have any sort of message on it, so an awkwardly scrawled message of "THANKS FOR HELP" is written in bright green icing that clashes with the cake's soft pink and red color scheme. An attempt was made.
You're welcome to hang out here - both in the new base and in this world as a whole - for as long as you'd like. Permanently, even, if you don't have any intention of going home. After all, you've more than earned it. Sonic and friends will gladly help you figure out a way to get settled here.
If you do choose to stay for any length of time and head out into the city, you'll find that people are indeed starting to return to their daily lives. They don't really understand - or remember - what happened, but they do recognize you as someone they have some innate fondness for, regardless of how startling your appearance may be to them. The city itself has seen better days thanks to the spread of Eggman's chroma, but thankfully the natural elements are recovering from that just fine. The buildings, streets, and the like will not naturally recover, so it seems Chicago's going to require some pretty intensive rebuilding...
But for the time being, everything is going smoothly, and you've done everything that was asked of you. You're free to return home. If you do, your shard may eventually come loose and simply fall off, ridding you of both the shard and its powers. Or maybe it won't, and you'll have that memory of your time in this world forever, along with the power innate to you and the ones you can activate from your fellow shardbearers whenever you're near each other.
Congratulations, shardbearers. You've done the impossible, and maybe even formed some new bonds along the way.
( Welcome to the final log of Shardbond! With this, you have successfully navigated your way through the Sonic friendship game and no one died! Hooray!!! For this final log, you may do whatever you'd like - if you want to use this to do an immediate aftermath top level, go for it! Party top level? Sure? Post-game top level? Have fun! You want to bring a castmate in and NPC them or have someone else play them? Also cool! Generally speaking, you are now free to do what you will with the setting as a whole - your fuzzy little friends will be hard at work making sure that you all are able to get home and/or get settled just fine, and they'll also be keeping an eye out for one (1) Neo Metal Sonic. And also Infinite, I guess, unless someone wants to take that stray jackal with them but like, no one needs that. )
[Jayce hears the staff hit the ground and repositions in kind to support Viktor's body against him. He has to constantly remind himself not to squeeze too tight, but it's hard to hold back when he never thought he'd have the chance to do this again.
He brushes his cheek against Viktor's head as he whispers those apologies.]
I'm sorry, too. I was the one who pushed you as far as you went. [Breaking his promise to destroy the Hexcore, reviving Viktor...only to kill him again when he learned the truth of what would happen.] But we found our resolution, didn't we? The last couple months have been hard without you, but I haven't gone and changed my mind about that.
[His tone lightens as the initial burst of emotion begins to simmer.]
But I'll admit that learning you were off on an adventure in another world was a shock to the system. I thought you were gone.
[He doesn't sound mad about it, though. Receiving that letter alleviated a lot of his pain over what had happened.]
Since you're back, I'm guessing it all worked out?
No--no, I... [He sighed in the faint whir of clockwork, shaking his head slightly.] I understand now, Jayce. Why you brought me back, and why-...what happened at the commune had to happen. You do not need to ask my forgiveness, becuse you already have it.
['I think this feeling is 'gratitude'. Knowing that for my sake, he broke his own heart. Because he--']
I am sorry for worrying you. We managed to resolve everything, or at least enough that there are just copious pieces left to pick up. But I...
[Viktor slowly stepped back, hands resting on Jayce's arms both to keep himself stady and because he wasn't prepared to let go.]
I can not return to Runeterra. There has been too much pain caused by my hand for the Herald to do anything but disappear, for everyone's sake and my own. Besides...that other world needs help I have promised to give.
[He glanced away briefly, the old telltale sign that Viktor was nervous and quickly trying to find the right words. Part of him was still terrified that he knw the answer before the question left him, knew it was a terrible decision that was already made, but...that was not Viktor's choice. That was just the nature of free will.]
...Will you come with me? Somewhere we can start over, and actually help rather than let our good intentions drive everything straight to hell.
[Jayce draws in a sharp breath and falls silent at Viktor's words. He'd agonized over his decision to kill Viktor at the commune, even though he knew it was what had to be done. It's what he'd promised to do, no matter how horrifically difficult it was to carry out. But for his Viktor to say he understands now...it means more than Jayce can properly express.
Viktor steps back, and Jayce doesn't let go either. He continues to listen, expression shifting with surprise to learn that Viktor doesn't intend to stay here- that he's asking for Jayce to leave everything behind as well. It's a big ask- all of his life is rooted here.
He hardly has to consider it, though.]
I already told you before that I'd drop everything so we could go back to being lab partners. I'll follow you anywhere to make that happen.
[He gives Viktor's arms a squeeze, expression easing into a smile.]
I want to see this world you've been helping. Point me to wherever you think I'm needed, and I'll be there. I'll do everything in my power to make it right this time.
It doesn't-...this is not an all or nothing matter. I know you have family here, I would never ask you to abandon them entirely. We have the means to travel, I just do not exactly want to show my face around here. But I-...
[It was important--vital, really--that Viktor underline that point. He barely had the right to ask Jayce to follow him, much less to give up on everyone he cared about to do so. It would be complex no matter how they did this, but complex was better than being forced to choose entirely.]
Everyone I have met and everything that I have had a hand in accomplishing...I want you to see all of it, sincerely this time. [Metallic hands moved to gently frame his partner's face, stroking lightly beneath his eye with a faint warmth that was neither fully machine nor organic.] A success even as meaningful as this would be empty without the only person I truly wish to share it with--I felt the same then, even if I was too beyond help to understand the damage I caused under the guise of helping others. You were the one who stopped me then, and now I know--I know it hurt you to do what was necessary. So I promise, never again. Whatever we do, we do together before either of us ventures down a path we should not. I...I need you, Jayce.
I-I need you to know that I love you now as I always have. And I can not start over or truly atone for everything I have done without you beside me.
[If this isn't a final goodbye to Runeterra, then that makes Jayce's choice all the easier. But even if it was, he meant what he said. Viktor may not think he deserves to ask of such a thing from him, but Jayce really would uproot his entire life for this man. They have a chance to begin anew- to make the actual change they'd always wanted for their world. It may not ever be enough to make up for the havoc they caused, but it has to count for something.
He leans into that touch as his hands settle on Viktor's waist to continue supporting him. For the first time since everything ended, he feels at home.]
I don't think you realize just how much I need you too. I felt so lost after you disappeared, I didn't know how I was going to do with my life until I finally came back to the lab and found your note. That's why this really is an easy decision for me--
[Then Viktor goes and drops the L-word and Jayce feels like he's having an out of body experience. But is it really so surprising? After everything they've been through—both the good and the bad—what else would better describe their relationship than one of deep, unconditional love? It's just...so unreal to hear Viktor come out and say it. It leaves Jayce breathless for a moment.]
Viktor... [He smiles brightly, pulling his partner close.] I love you too. More than I'll ever be able to describe with words. Wherever this new life leads, I'll be with you every step of the way.
[His first response was an abrupt and nervous laugh edged with the same faint metal sound; always more difficult to control under stress. He had been able to come to terms with what this natural sense of belonging truly was over the past weeks, even if it had taken more than a little pushing and pointing out of the obvious. Learning to once again accept the overwhelming range of human emotions, coming to realize that he'd fallen in love the instant they had floated in an aura of arcane blue. Just as he had that night, Viktor broke out into a brilliant smile that lit up his entire face.]
[How foolish he had been, to cheat himself out of this for the entire decade to follow. ]
I swear I will never leave you again. [He leaned his forehead against Jayce's; the Undercity's own gesture of love and affection both.]
Let's go. I have so many people I want you to meet, and a whole world to show you.
[Jayce's smile widens into a delighted grin. Hearing Viktor's laugh and seeing his smile again- there's nothing like it. It's another sign that there really is a chance for them to return to how things once were before everything went to hell. This time, however, they have the benefit of foresight. They won't allow each other to stray from their path, to bring ruin where they sought prosperity. They'll do this the right away.
Together.
He breathes out a contented sigh as their foreheads touch.]
All right. But one last thing before we go.
[One last, very important thing. With a slight shift, he brings Viktor into a gentle kiss. This reunion and admitting of feelings wouldn't be complete without one.]
[...oh. Oh, that was actually important, Viktor freezing up for only an intant of processing before the machinery that comprised his entire body lost any and all tension, leaning back against his partner with a soft, contented sound. The last small piece that fit into place and made the pair of them a single unit working in perfect harmony. Just as things always should have been, just as they would for the rest of their lives.]
Jsi láska mého života. [He muttered that softly in the space of barely a breath between them, slipping into a soft endearment in his native language.]
...thank you. For-...all of it. You did so much for my sake, and I-I have done everything I can to make sure it counted.
[It feels absolutely right. So much happened for them to finally make it to this point, but Jayce will be eternally thankful to have even been given the opportunity. He allows himself a moment to lose himself in the blissful warmth of that kiss until the two of them need to breathe.]
I wouldn't doubt you for a second.
[Because there won't be any room for doubt, not anymore.]
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no subject
He brushes his cheek against Viktor's head as he whispers those apologies.]
I'm sorry, too. I was the one who pushed you as far as you went. [Breaking his promise to destroy the Hexcore, reviving Viktor...only to kill him again when he learned the truth of what would happen.] But we found our resolution, didn't we? The last couple months have been hard without you, but I haven't gone and changed my mind about that.
[His tone lightens as the initial burst of emotion begins to simmer.]
But I'll admit that learning you were off on an adventure in another world was a shock to the system. I thought you were gone.
[He doesn't sound mad about it, though. Receiving that letter alleviated a lot of his pain over what had happened.]
Since you're back, I'm guessing it all worked out?
no subject
['I think this feeling is 'gratitude'. Knowing that for my sake, he broke his own heart. Because he--']
I am sorry for worrying you. We managed to resolve everything, or at least enough that there are just copious pieces left to pick up. But I...
[Viktor slowly stepped back, hands resting on Jayce's arms both to keep himself stady and because he wasn't prepared to let go.]
I can not return to Runeterra. There has been too much pain caused by my hand for the Herald to do anything but disappear, for everyone's sake and my own. Besides...that other world needs help I have promised to give.
[He glanced away briefly, the old telltale sign that Viktor was nervous and quickly trying to find the right words. Part of him was still terrified that he knw the answer before the question left him, knew it was a terrible decision that was already made, but...that was not Viktor's choice. That was just the nature of free will.]
...Will you come with me? Somewhere we can start over, and actually help rather than let our good intentions drive everything straight to hell.
no subject
Viktor steps back, and Jayce doesn't let go either. He continues to listen, expression shifting with surprise to learn that Viktor doesn't intend to stay here- that he's asking for Jayce to leave everything behind as well. It's a big ask- all of his life is rooted here.
He hardly has to consider it, though.]
I already told you before that I'd drop everything so we could go back to being lab partners. I'll follow you anywhere to make that happen.
[He gives Viktor's arms a squeeze, expression easing into a smile.]
I want to see this world you've been helping. Point me to wherever you think I'm needed, and I'll be there. I'll do everything in my power to make it right this time.
no subject
[It was important--vital, really--that Viktor underline that point. He barely had the right to ask Jayce to follow him, much less to give up on everyone he cared about to do so. It would be complex no matter how they did this, but complex was better than being forced to choose entirely.]
Everyone I have met and everything that I have had a hand in accomplishing...I want you to see all of it, sincerely this time. [Metallic hands moved to gently frame his partner's face, stroking lightly beneath his eye with a faint warmth that was neither fully machine nor organic.] A success even as meaningful as this would be empty without the only person I truly wish to share it with--I felt the same then, even if I was too beyond help to understand the damage I caused under the guise of helping others. You were the one who stopped me then, and now I know--I know it hurt you to do what was necessary. So I promise, never again. Whatever we do, we do together before either of us ventures down a path we should not. I...I need you, Jayce.
I-I need you to know that I love you now as I always have. And I can not start over or truly atone for everything I have done without you beside me.
no subject
He leans into that touch as his hands settle on Viktor's waist to continue supporting him. For the first time since everything ended, he feels at home.]
I don't think you realize just how much I need you too. I felt so lost after you disappeared, I didn't know how I was going to do with my life until I finally came back to the lab and found your note. That's why this really is an easy decision for me--
[Then Viktor goes and drops the L-word and Jayce feels like he's having an out of body experience. But is it really so surprising? After everything they've been through—both the good and the bad—what else would better describe their relationship than one of deep, unconditional love? It's just...so unreal to hear Viktor come out and say it. It leaves Jayce breathless for a moment.]
Viktor... [He smiles brightly, pulling his partner close.] I love you too. More than I'll ever be able to describe with words. Wherever this new life leads, I'll be with you every step of the way.
no subject
[How foolish he had been, to cheat himself out of this for the entire decade to follow. ]
I swear I will never leave you again. [He leaned his forehead against Jayce's; the Undercity's own gesture of love and affection both.]
Let's go. I have so many people I want you to meet, and a whole world to show you.
no subject
Together.
He breathes out a contented sigh as their foreheads touch.]
All right. But one last thing before we go.
[One last, very important thing. With a slight shift, he brings Viktor into a gentle kiss. This reunion and admitting of feelings wouldn't be complete without one.]
no subject
[...oh. Oh, that was actually important, Viktor freezing up for only an intant of processing before the machinery that comprised his entire body lost any and all tension, leaning back against his partner with a soft, contented sound. The last small piece that fit into place and made the pair of them a single unit working in perfect harmony. Just as things always should have been, just as they would for the rest of their lives.]
Jsi láska mého života. [He muttered that softly in the space of barely a breath between them, slipping into a soft endearment in his native language.]
...thank you. For-...all of it. You did so much for my sake, and I-I have done everything I can to make sure it counted.
no subject
I wouldn't doubt you for a second.
[Because there won't be any room for doubt, not anymore.]